Have you ever heard that root canals are linked to cancer? Do you believe in that? These rumors surfaced decades back then but is there any truth to it? And if root canals lead to cancer why are people getting it? If these questions linger in your mind, you are at the right place!
In this blog, we will explore the truth behind root canals being linked to cancer and the fear people face in getting them. We will also dive into the root canal treatments and how you can get them.
The Truth Behind Root Canal Being Linked to Cancer
100 years back, a dentist named Weston Price believed that root canals would hurt the health of patients. After some research, he concluded that root-canal therapy is a significant risk factor for cancer.
The treatment left toxins in one’s body that lead to cancers, heart diseases, arthritis and other serious illnesses. But there were many discrepancies in his research, these were:
- The conditions under which he performed his experiments were not controlled.
- The environment used was non-sterile.
- Nobody else has reached the same conclusion.
While it is true that some individuals have had root canals and died from cancer, it does not necessarily mean the dental procedure caused their death. No peer-reviewed studies or articles support this claim. Price’s research has echoed down to the present day. Unsurprisingly, several dentists also believe that root canal therapy is the precursor to life-threatening illnesses. This false information only leads to fear and anxiety among those who are told they need a dental root canal.
But Does Root Canal Lead to Cancer?
There are no studies that prove root canal leads to cancer, but it comes with some small risks. A small risk of infection can develop after treatment. The initial root canal may fail, resulting in the need for a retreatment. The benefits of root-canal therapy are far greater than the risks. A successful root canal treatment can preserve your tooth, stop a severe toothache, or even save you money.
Cancer can be caused by a variety of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Unfortunately, root canal treatment is not one. While the above-mentioned claim might seem logical but there is not any evidence that confirms it. Most patients who undergo root canal surgery and are treated by a dentist recover completely and use their teeth as usual.
Some types of mouth cancer do exist, and maintaining good oral health is crucial to preventing them. Many Cancer Society, however, has refuted the claim that root canals are cancerous. The infection of the root canals is serious, so you must know what treatment options are available to you. Furthermore, the advancements in modern dentistry that make endodontic treatment, and root canal therapy safe, predictable, and effective should be trusted rather than feared.
Are Root Canals Treatment Safe?
Root canal treatment is the first choice of many people who want to preserve their natural teeth. Root canals treat infection and decay in the root of the tooth. Patients with root canals can smile again without pain. Root canal treatment is a popular choice for serious dental issues.
For many years, root canals are a popular and reliable dental treatment, especially for those with serious oral issues, such as infection, tooth decay, or gum disease. Root canal treatment is preferred by many patients because it offers numerous benefits over alternative treatments. It is wise to choose root canal therapy. The majority of dentists do not recommend root canal treatment if the condition is not urgent. If left untreated, severe decay or damage will continue to worsen and can lead to bone and tooth loss.
The root canal allows you to save your natural tooth and not spend time or money to get a solution for its replacement. It involves the removal of decayed and damaged areas from your tooth, followed by sealing to prevent reinfection. A custom-made crown will be created by your dentist and bonded over the weak tooth.
An experienced dentist will make sure you are comfortable and safe during your root canal procedure. You will receive detailed instructions on how to recover successfully and without complications. It is a decision you will never regret that brings back your beautiful smile.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is the go-to option for people who want to save their natural teeth. This root canal treatment restores your beautiful smile and allows you to binge on the food you love. The benefits of root canal treatment includes:
Pain-free
Root canal treatments are primarily pain-free. You may rarely experience less discomfort after the procedure than you would if you had your natural tooth removed. Patients who undergo root canals describe the procedure as being painless six times more often than those who have their natural teeth removed. This is due to modern techniques and effective anaesthesia. Local anesthetic is used to perform root canals, which allows you to be comfortable throughout the treatment.
Efficient & Cost-Effective
A tooth extraction can be more time-consuming than a root canal due to the need for follow-up appointments, such as those required for a bridge, denture or implant. In addition, costs may be higher. Most dental insurance plans cover endodontic treatment. The purpose of root canals is to keep your teeth natural while keeping the costs low. As they can prevent future problems, root canals may be cost-effective over time. The average cost of root canal treatment in India is INR 4,000 to INR 12,000 and USD 48 to USD 144 depending upon various related factors.
Visually Appealing Results
The most significant benefit of a root canal is that it is visually appealing. A tooth gets discoloured and deteriorates when decayed and infected. As a result, it impacts the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, affecting a person’s self-confidence. Root canal treatment seamlessly blends with the surrounding teeth to ensure a natural-looking smile.
Quick Treatment
One or two dentist visits are usually enough to complete root canal treatment. During the procedure, a small opening is created in the tooth to gain access to its root canals and the pulp. The infected tissue is removed and then replaced with a filling material that restores the tooth’s structure and strength. Most root canal treatments are quick, allowing patients to get back to normal activities almost immediately.
Durable
Root canal treatments can last many years and restore your tooth to its full health. If you maintain your tooth properly, it can even last a lifetime. The long-lasting and durable treatment of root canal therapy gives you peace of mind that your smile is healthy for years. Such durability eliminates visiting the dentist now and then for frequent replacements and saves time and money.
Less Invasive
A root canal is a minimally invasive procedure. Only the affected tooth will be treated. In contrast, some dental treatments like tooth extractions require removing both the healthy tooth and the tooth affected. The root canal preserves your natural tooth, so you can keep your smile intact and healthy. Furthermore, its treatment is completed in one or more, two visits to facilitate a quick recovery.
What If You Don’t Get a Root Canal Treatment?
The root canal procedure will only be recommended and performed if other procedures are not effective in treating the problem. The consequences of not having this recommended dental treatment done are more serious. Here are what may happen if you don’t get a root canal treatment:
Dead Nerves
An infected tooth pulp does not heal itself requiring a root canal treatment. When a patient no longer feels pain in the tooth, they may mistakenly believe that the infection has resolved itself. However, this is just a sign that the nerves have died. The infection may not be visible to the patient, but it will still exist inside the tooth. Untreated, the infection can spread from your tooth to your brain, blood, and other parts of your body.
Severe Pain and Discomfort
If the infection in the tooth pulp is not treated, it can lead to extreme pain and discomfort, as well as an inability for the patient to eat certain foods. Pain and discomfort from an infected dental pulp can cause headaches, irritability and even a fever. Many people who experience severe mouth and tooth pain may feel discomfort in eating and socializing. A root canal can prevent such pain and discomfort.
Losing A Tooth
If you don’t have a root canal to remove infected materials, then the tooth will need to be removed. A tooth that has been infected for too long may not be able to be saved and will need to be removed. It is often more difficult to extract a tooth, and it takes longer for the wound to heal. The decision to replace a tooth can also be complicated by the need for additional dental procedures. Most people prefer to keep and save as many original teeth as possible.
Spread of Infection
If a root canal is not treated properly, the infection will spread and grow. Tooth infections can also spread to other areas of the mouth, such as the tongue, cheeks and gums. It can spread to the other parts of your body, such as your throat, neck and stomach. In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the throat, neck, stomach, and lungs.
Formation of an Abscess
A tooth infection can lead to an abscess if it is not treated in time. An abscess can be described as a pus-filled ball that forms from a bacterial infection. Abscesses cause bad breath and can be painful. They are also often accompanied by fever. Abscesses are considered dental emergencies and must be treated to prevent serious illness. After an abscess develops, the tooth and/or other parts of your mouth may need to be surgically treated.
Heart Infections and Heart Problems
If you have been recommended a tooth root canal, the pulp is almost certainly infected. It can expand its wings to cover the entire tooth, including the gums and the jawbone. Infections that are serious and untreated can cause tooth loss or damage to your jaw. They may also lead to heart attacks, strokes or sepsis. As the infection worsens, the pain will become excruciating.
Root Canal Treatment at City Dental Hospital
At City Dental Hospital, our priority is to help patients with unparalleled dental treatment to live a healthy lifestyle. Our highly skilled dental professionals assist you with root canal treatment decisions. Here, we’ve designed a root canal treatment that is comfortable for the patient.
With the advanced and latest technology, we strive for making the treatment painless and as pleasant as possible. City Dental Hospital’s root canal procedure includes carefully removing the infected or inflamed pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it with a rubber-like substance called “gutta-percha.”Our professionals top the tooth with a crown or permanent filling to add protection against decay.
With us, you experience the highest dental healthcare standards with state-of-the-art technology, and durable dental canal treatment that focuses on all preventive, and painless, dental procedures. With our years of experience, we are committed to providing patients with superior dental health and a complete range of services to give them the smile that they deserve.
Visiting From Abroad?
Have you ever heard of dental tourism? Dental tourism is the concept in vacation planning that offers a complete dental solution. Dental tourism is a way to have a holiday while receiving services like root canals, full mouth rehabilitation, invisible aligners, and dental implants.
Dental care of the highest quality is a major reason to travel abroad for medical treatment. The affordable prices make dental care to the highest standards possible for everyone. The price of surgery abroad should not be the only factor to consider. The decision to have dental surgery abroad can be a difficult one. Therefore, the quality and safety of the treatment should be considered.
City Dental Hospital encourages Dental tourism in India. We offer exceptional dental solutions to solve all your dental issues and restore your beautiful smile. We have more than 10 years of experience and offer cutting-edge technologies, tools and services. We aid you with visa assistance, guest house accommodation, flexible payment options, priority treatment, and post-consultation support!
Conclusion
In the current dentistry landscape, no evidence confirms root canals result in cancer. Scientific understanding and extensive research have yet to find a strong base to support this claim. You must rely on evidence-based information and not neglect your need to get dental canal treatment. Don’t avoid your dental health and take the first step towards your oral well-being!
